Fresh Faces of Fashion

Fresh Faces of Fashion: They're young, they're beautiful and they know how to dress to impress

Tootsies was bursting at the seams with the young and the beautiful Wednesday night when the retailer and Houston magazine teamed up to present the eighth annual Fresh Faces of Fashion honorees. Ten glam young women in smashing ensembles from Tootsies strode the catwalk as hundreds of fans cheered.

A plethora of photographers, bloggers and smartphone addicts recorded this special 15 minutes of fame for the women poised to make their mark in Houston social annals.

While each of the stylish women received oodles of applause and cheers, none received a more enthusiastic welcome than the spirited Ericka Graham, founder of the Project 88 Foundation, and wife of Houston Texan tight end Garrett Graham, No. 88. Leading the cacophony were former fresh fashion faces Hannah McNair and Holly Alvis of the Houston Texans McNair family. Graham rocked and rolled down the runway with the energy of a Texans cheerleader.

The class of 2015 included Stacy E. Johnson, wife of Jason Johnson who heads MetroNational; American Dream Builders star and interior designer Nina Magon; dentist Jolie Relyea; Blakely Griggs, who co-chairs next spring's Hats in the Park luncheon; Lilly Lewis, engaged to Harrison Cullen (Rose Cullen's grandson); attorney Holly Radom; co-founder of Boxwood Linens Elizabeth Webster; Heidi Smith, daughter-in-law of Anita and Gerald Smith and wife of Marcus Smith; and Carolyn Tanner, wife of Quantum Energy's Garry Tanner.

Houston magazine's Isabel David introduced the presentation that included glam fashions from Tootsies fall collection modeled by models from Page Parkes. Kudos to Ursaline Hamilton and Fady Armanious for the streamlined fashion and honoree presentation.

Publisher Peter Remington and editor Jeff Gremillion held front row seats as did sponsor Mercedes Benz' Jeff Quinsenberry. Also front and center was Susan Sarofim, founder of TEACH (To Educate All Children), beneficiary of the evening.

The fashionista crowd included Nell Frances Connally, Vivian Wise, Kathy McCord, Katwing Comby, Kelly Krohn, Alex Martinez, Diana Martinez, Hallie Vanderhider, Dr. Fred Aguilar, Heidi Kashani, Neekie Kashani, Estela Cockrell, Hasti Taghi and fashion designer Amir Taghi, headed to London for a fashion experience as a student at the prestigious Central Saint Martins.

Estela Cockrell, Blakely Griggs.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Estela Cockrell, Blakely Griggs.

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Mission Continues

Spirit of Spring Gala honors 30 years of healing and hope in Houston

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Ed Emmett and Adrian Garcia.

The ballroom at The Houstonian welcomed more than 400 guests gathered for the Spirit of Spring 30th Anniversary Gala, celebrating the enduring mission of The Children’s Assessment Center (The CAC). The evening proved both a tribute to three decades of service and a forward-looking pledge, culminating in a fundraising total that exceeded expectations.

$Children\u2019s Assessment Center Gala 2025$

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Ed Emmett and Adrian Garcia.

Chaired by philanthropic duo Sam and Kasteena Parikh, the night began with a swirl of activity. A lively social hour offered a kaleidoscope of attractions — raffles, a photobooth, a caricature artist, and coveted wine and jewelry pulls — designed to loosen up wallets while lifting spirits. It was a lighthearted start to an evening rooted in something far more profound: the protection and healing of children affected by sexual abuse in Harris County.

Former sports broadcaster Lisa Malosky emceed the program, guiding the audience through stirring testimonials and community honors. More than 20 individuals and partner organizations were spotlighted for their unwavering support of The CAC’s work over the past 30 years, a testament to the collaborative muscle it takes to protect the most vulnerable.

“We are grateful to our dedicated community partners and individual supporters for their unwavering belief in our mission, collaboration and support of our services,” said Kerry McCracken, executive director. “Our vital work can only be sustained through the generosity of all those who deeply care about the children and families we serve. With their help, we can continue to bring hope to children who have experienced sexual abuse in Houston.”

In attendance were Russell and Glenda Gordy, Christopher DeClaire, Elaine Stolte, Honorable Ed Emmett, Ken and Kathy Wells, Lisa Helfman and Lee Haverman, Mike Lowenberg, Rob Wilson, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, Adrian Garcia, Joan Huffman, Teneshia Hudspeth, Honorable Ted Poe, Honorable Julian Ramirez, Honorable Bruce Bain, Kieth Seaous, Brady Crosswell, Adam Peters, and David Key.

fundraisers children's assessment center